IGP bans vigilante, neighbourhood groups from monitoring election

[MrVan]

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

Following allegations and counter allegations by governorship candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria (A C N) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his PDP counterpart, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) over alleged recruitment of political thugs for today's election, Inspector- General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has banned all vigilante and neighbourhood groups from monitoring the election in the state.

The ban on the local security groups was announced by the Inspector General of Police on Wednesday at a stakeholders meeting held in Benin.

At the meeting, the PDP governorship candidate, Charles Airhiavbere frowned at the alleged invasion of the state ahead of the election by Asari- Dokunbo led Niger Delta Volunteer Force (NDVF) as well as the constitution of neighbourhood watch by the state governor a week to the election.

The PDP candidate also alleged that Asari- Dokunbo led group has trained political thugs to intimidate and molest voters especially those in the Edo Central Senatorial district.

He alleged that men of the neighbourhood watch were on a N60, 000 monthly salary, adding that the government employed local vigilante groups which have been positioned in all neighbouring borders in the state.

He therefore urged the authorities of the Nigeria Police and the military to nip in the bud, the likely unwholesome activities of the groups.

Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole on his part also accused the PDP leadership in the state of recruiting and sewing security agencies uniform for thugs in the state with a view to use them to rig the election.

Banning the local security groups, the IG said the groups though recognized by law  were not recognize for the election.

According to him, "neighbourhood watch and vigilante groups though were  recognised by law, they were not  recognized to oversee the monitoring of elections. For the election, they are like other citizens whose duty is to cast their votes for their preferred candidates".

Vanguard Nigeria